The Impact of Toxic Masculinity on Boys
Toxic masculinity extends beyond marginalizing women and LGBTQ+ individuals; it also deeply affects straight men. The societal expectations placed on boys discourage emotional expression, tenderness, and meaningful connections. The TV show Adolescence illustrates how the anxiety and rage surrounding traditional notions of masculinity can manifest early in life. It serves as a reminder that framing boys as potential threats can do more harm than good, leaving us to ponder how to reach boys before they are radicalized, without resorting to stereotypes.
Relationality, Vulnerability, and Inclination
Exploring how literature can transform perceptions of masculinity may offer one path forward. Research indicates that narratives can foster empathy, an essential element in reshaping societal expectations. By engaging with representations of masculinity in young adult fiction, we can introduce boys to healthier ideals.
Through my research rooted in feminist philosophy, I identified three pivotal concepts for rethinking masculinity: relationality, vulnerability, and inclination. Notably, these ideas are reflected in children’s literature, such as Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan and Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.
The concept of inclination promotes a caring, inquisitive orientation toward differences. It encourages boys to “lean in” rather than remain aloof. Drawing inspiration from the Italian feminist philosopher Adriana Cavarero, inclination embodies the courage to engage with love, friendship, and emotional bonds. It’s the motivation to connect with the world and care for others, especially the vulnerable.
For instance, Magnus Chase, the teenage hero in Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, is portrayed as sweet and caring, driven by love for his friends. The diverse cast—featuring characters from various backgrounds and identities—offers an engaging lesson in intersectionality, highlighting the multiple social categories that shape our lives.
Redefining Masculinity Through Queer Fiction
Relationality posits that individuals are formed through their relationships with others. It recognizes the diverse contexts we inhabit and emphasizes respecting differences. A relational perspective encourages boys to honor rather than exploit the vulnerabilities of those around them.
This idea is beautifully illustrated in Two Boys Kissing, which follows a chorus of queer teenage protagonists exploring themes of friendship, love, and identity. The narration—a collective voice of gay men lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic—watches over the living characters with tender urgency. Their presence acts as a reminder of the importance of relationships in shaping lives and honoring shared experiences.
Vulnerability, a key aspect of being human, underscores our shared fragility and susceptibility to harm. Acknowledging this vulnerability can transform into resilience and connections, particularly when we recognize the diverse experiences of disenfranchisement faced by many. In Two Boys Kissing, the chorus celebrates imperfect bodies—cisgender and trans—beyond societal beauty standards. They offer encouragement to a struggling teen, affirming that care and affection are signs of strength, not weakness.
Literature as a Cultural Tool
When woven into educational practices and daily interactions, the themes of vulnerability, relationality, and inclination can help forge new ethical pathways for masculinity and gendered existence. Though literature alone cannot solve societal issues, it serves as a powerful cultural tool offering boys alternate narratives about strength—ones that prioritize emotional connections over stoicism.
Boys learn that true strength does not equate to emotional suppression. Caring for others is not a betrayal of masculinity; rather, it can serve as a means to renew it. By reshaping the discourse around masculinity, we create opportunities for young men to express their emotions and build supportive relationships.
Through engaging with nuanced, empathetic narratives, boys can discover that masculinity can encompass vulnerability and connection, creating a healthier, more inclusive society. In the end, creating lasting change requires a concerted effort not just from literature but also from the community, culture, and families guiding today’s youth.
